Russian Moves in Sudan Raise Regional Concerns Amid International Competition for Influence

Sudan is witnessing increasing Russian activities aimed at strengthening its military presence, sparking concerns from Egypt and other regional powers. The most notable of these developments is Moscow’s pursuit of a naval base on the Red Sea coast in Port Sudan, under a preliminary agreement with the Sudanese government.

The proposed base is intended to provide logistical and technical support to the Russian fleet, further solidifying Russia’s military footprint in this strategic region. This initiative aligns with Moscow’s broader efforts to expand its military presence in Africa and secure access to key maritime routes.

Chairman of the Sovereignty Council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and Russian Special Envoy to Africa and the Middle East Mikhail Bogdanov

In response, Egypt has expressed apprehension over the potential ramifications of these moves on its national security and the regional balance of power. Cairo has engaged in discussions with Sudanese officials, including the leader of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), seeking clarifications on the Russian project and emphasizing the importance of safeguarding shared regional interests.

Reports also indicate an increasing role of the Russian private military group Wagner in Sudan, allegedly providing support to the Rapid Support Forces. This development adds further complexity to the country’s security landscape and raises international concerns about Russia’s growing influence and its impact on regional stability.

These developments come amid intensifying international competition for influence in Sudan and the Red Sea region, reflecting diverging interests among global and regional powers.